aetiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
Classification:
- ischaemic - mainly affecting the distal convoluted tubules and loop of Henle; due to "shock", commonly, hypovolaemic, cardiogenic, or septic. Pigment-induced ATN is a special form associated with massive haemoglobinuria - following massive haemolysis - or myoglobinuria - following rhabdomyolysis
- nephrotoxic - mainly affecting the proximal convoluted tubules. Many agents are implicated, including:
- antibiotics e.g. gentamicin, cephalosporin
- anaesthetics e.g methoxyflurane
- heavy metals e.g. mercury, lead, arsenic
- chemotherapeutic agents e.g. cyclosporin
- organic solvents e.g. methyl alcohol, carbon tetrachloride
- poison e.g. pesticides, mushrooms